Climate change's effect growing in Ohio

When most people hear "climate change," they think of claims that fossil fuel use and deforestation have resulted in stronger hurricanes, intense heat waves and drought. Many others look at such claims as junk science and scare tactics.

But a certain amount of conjecture and debate on these matters is healthy. It's OK to be skeptical, but proof of climate change in Ohio can be found across the state. Algae growing in Lake Erie and other smaller inland lakes, buggy conditions earlier in the year, less walleye and yellow perch and concern regarding a dip in maple syrup production in the Buckeye State are a few of the concrete examples cited in a Media Network of Central Ohio series last week.

There's also the health effect, particularly of concern by allergists and immunologists, that has surfaced for some Ohioans.

Strip away the hyperbole and you find a distinct trend: Ohio's climate has been influenced by the warming trends of the last few decades and, as a result, some of the things that make Ohio great (fishing, farming, etc.) are suffering.

But calling for radical change in the political climate of the day is a futile attempt. What we'd lobby in favor is more personal responsibility and holding our officials accountable.

Rather than telling you that the car you drive is bad for the environment and trying to force their elimination as a vehicle option, we'd rather point to the fact that combining trips to run errands, carpooling to work and walking and biking are great ways to contribute.

A home recycling station can help as well. Recycling plastic bottles, paper, cans and glass can help.

There are many other ways to help, but the prudent approach is to acknowledge what's going on in our climate, make changes and push our elected officials to get more data and work to make the necessary changes to help keep our state great and growing.

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Climate change's effect growing in Ohio

When most people hear 'climate change,' they think of claims that fossil fuel use and deforestation have resulted in stronger hurricanes, intense heat waves and drought. Many others look at such